ALSACAT-2015-07-15-AMMERSHWIHR-1
On July 23, 2015, the GEIPAN - group officially responsible for studying and providing information on unidentified aerospace phenomena in France - received by email the testimony of a lady written on the GEIPAN report form.
The lady explained that on Wednesday July 15, 2015, at 10:37 p.m., she came home from work, parked in the parking lot, and then observed "three very strong red lights, coming out from behind the forest, and which immediately caught" her attention."
She says that "The shape was a triangle and [it] looked like a very large and fairly low object."
"It was heading towards me, then at our building slowed down slightly then it turned a 45 degree angle to disappear from my field of vision."
She thinks that the thing was going "relatively quickly", and especially without making any noise.
The witness noted an observation time of 10 to 15 seconds in her account, but a duration of 30 seconds in response to the question about the duration in the form.
The place was in Les Trois-Epis, municipality of Ammerschwihr. In the form, she indicates that there were no other witnesses, that it had come from the direction of the forest, passed from her right to her left, from north to south, crossing a quarter of the sky, and that it was the building that hid the thing from her at the end of the observation. She specified that she saw it with the naked eye without glasses or anything else, that the night was very clear, without any clouds, without wind.
She indicates a trajectory in "Straight line without change of direction".
She specifies that the phenomenon had come from the direction of the Little Dipper, that the environment was silent, with no particular devices in operation, with only white lighting on the wall of the building.
She describes the thing as triangular in shape, an angular size of 6 cm at arm's length, with "red light at the ends", comparable in intensity to car headlights. At the start of the observation, the elevation was 45°, at the end of the observation, it was 60°.
The more it moved towards her, the more uncomfortable she had become, with a feeling of being watched, and that it had slowed down as it passed closer to her. After the sighting, she was "skeptical" of what she had seen. Her husband listened to her "with certainty because he too has already seen similar cases." She did not find of an explanation on the Internet. The UFO topic did not interest her, she "did not believe in it very much" but the sighting made her believe.
GEIPAN thought the lights were probably Chinese lanterns, and found weather data to confirm that a gentle wind was blowing in the right direction.
They noted that the color, the duration of observation, the moderate speed, the absence of noise, conformed to such an explanation; the movement of the lights "together" must have given the witness the impression that it was a single "solid" object, "typical of the behavior of flying objects pushed by the wind and of the illusion of perception of the psychology of shapes"; GEIPAN further noted that not far in the direction of arrival of the phenomenon, there were, at a distance of between about 40 and 150 m, facilities suitable for releasing lanterns (large car parks, vacant lots, etc.), obscured from the witness's view by other buildings and trees.
| Date: | July 15, 2015 |
|---|---|
| Time: | 10:37 p.m. |
| Duration: | 10 to 30 seconds. |
| First known report date: | July 23, 2015 |
| Reporting delay: | 8 days. |
| Department: | Haut-Rhin |
|---|---|
| City: | Ammerschwihr |
| Place: | Les Trois-Epis, outside on parking lot in front of home building. |
| Latitude: | 48.101 |
| Longitude: | 7.232 |
| Uncertainty radius: | 1 km. |
| Number of alleged witnesses: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Number of known witnesses: | 1 |
| Number of named witnesses: | 0 |
| Witness(es) ages: | Adult. |
| Witness(es) types: | Female resident. |
| Reporting channel: | GEIPAN report form. |
|---|---|
| Type of location: | Outside on parking lot in front of home building. |
| Visibility conditions: | Night, clear sky, gentle wind. |
| UFO observed: | Yes |
| UFO arrival observed: | No |
| UFO departure observed: | No |
| Entities: | No |
| Photographs: | No. |
| Sketch(s) by witness(es): | No. |
| Sketch(es) approved by witness(es): | No. |
| Witness(es) feelings: | Puzzled. |
| Witnesses interpretation: | ? |
| Hynek: | NL |
|---|---|
| ALSACAT: | Probable Chinese lanterns. |
[Ref. gei1:] GROUPE D'ETUDES ET D'INFORMATIONS SUR LES PHENOMENES AEROSPATIAUX NON IDENTIFIES (G.E.I.P.A.N.):
| AMMERSCHWIHR (68) 07/15/2015 | |
| Observed on: | 07/15/2015 |
| Region: | Alsace |
| Department: | Rhin (Haut) |
| Class: | B |
| Summary: | AMMERSCHWIHR (68) 15.07.2015. Observation of three red lights in silent motion in the sky: probable observation of Chinese lanterns. |
| Description: |
On Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at 10:37 p.m. a witness on a parking lot observes three lights of red color, very bright, forming a triangle and flying at low altitude. The object comes out from behind a forest, moves towards the witness's building and then makes a 45° angle and disappears from his field of vision. Only one testimony is collected. Given the evidence gathered (see the investigation report), namely: - the red color identical to that of lanterns. - the number corresponding to a "classic" group release of lanterns. - the simultaneous displacement of the lanterns, carried by the wind and giving rise to an illusion of psychology of the form (displacement in the direction of the prevailing wind). - the behavior identical to that of objects subject to zero or low wind: moderate speed. - the absence of noise. - the short observation time (10 to 15 seconds) compatible with the life of the lanterns. - the presence in the vicinity of facilities suitable for lantern launches, located in the direction of observation and not visible from the position of the witness. GEIPAN classifies this case as "B" as a likely observation of Chinese lanterns. |
| Report: | investigation report.pdf |
| Details of the testimony | |
| Witness | |
| Date of the observation | 07/15/2015 |
| Document number | |
| Age | Adult (more than 18) |
| Profession | |
| Sex | Female |
| Reaction | |
| Credibility | |
| Conditions | |
| Environment | |
| Weather conditions | Clear Sky |
| Hour of the observation | Numbered: 10 p.m. 00 a.m. |
| Reference frame | |
| Distance between phenomenon and witness | |
| Start of the observation | |
| End of the observation | |
| Localization | |
| Angle of site | |
| Direction of observation | |
| Heading | |
| Trajectory | |
| Nature of the observation | |
| Characteristic of the observation | |
| Global shape | |
| Color | |
| Apparent size | |
| Apparent speed | |
| Noise | |
| Effect on the environment | |
| Number | |
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Madam, Sir,
You were a direct witness, on French territory, of an aerospace phenomenon which intrigued you, and you wish to entrust this observation to GEIPAN for analysis.
We suggest to you, first of all, to visit our website www.geipan.fr, The consultation of the UAP identification guide will allow you perhaps to quickly find an explanation for your observation.
Otherwise, we invite you to complete this questionnaire.
Important: the questionnaire should not be completed if you did not do a direct observation
(an object observed in a photo or a film AFTER the shooting does not constitute an observation)
Your testimony is capital and unique. It will consist of giving an account of your observation, answering specific questions, making drawings and sketches or attaching photographs to further refine your description.
It is imperative that you follow the instructions mentioned at each step so that we can gather as much information as possible about the observed phenomenon. You shouldn't be afraid to tell us or feel ridiculous, we are used to collecting this type of testimony.
The conclusions of our investigation will be communicated to you personally. Once anonymized, your testimony will be published on our website (www.geipan.fr), "Case research" tab in the menu bar.
We thank you in advance for your contribution to our work.
The head of GEIPAN
IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW Nr 78-17 OF 6 JANUARY 1978 RELATING TO COMPUTING, FILES AND FREEDOMS, AND DECREE Nr 78.774 OF
JULY 17, 1978, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT OF CONTROL AND CORRECTION OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA.
REQUESTS MUST BE SENT IN WRITING TO GEIPAN - COORDINATES ON THE LAST PAGE
V3-8/JANUARY 2015
page: 1
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We will ask you to provide as much information as possible about your observation. The most important thing is not to omit anything: it is often the details that allow investigations to be resolved. So don't hesitate to give as much information as possible, even if your memories are incomplete or certain elements seem unimportant to you. If you are not quite sure of a particular detail, let us know your doubts, but, again, do not leave anything out. We need to be able to visualize everything you have seen, as if to remake the movie of your observation.
Use the end of this page to tell the story of your sighting and continue on loose paper as much as you want:
...
I came home from work, once parked in the parking lot, I observe three very strong red lights, coming out from behind the forest, and which immediately catch my attention.
The shape was in a triangle and l'ooked [sic] like a very large and fairly low object.
It was heading towards me, then when at our building slowed down slightly then it turned a 45 degree angle to disappear from my field of vision.
He was going relatively fast, and especially without making any noise. Its lasted 10 to 15 seconds
All this, at 10:37 pm on Wednesday July 15, 2015.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW Nr 78-17 OF 6 JANUARY 1978 RELATING TO COMPUTING, FILES AND FREEDOMS, AND DECREE Nr 78.774 OF
JULY 17, 1978, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT OF CONTROL AND CORRECTION OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA.
REQUESTS MUST BE SENT IN WRITING TO GEIPAN - COORDINATES ON THE LAST PAGE
V3-8/JANUARY 2015
page: 3
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Please provide all the information requested.
What were your occupations just before your sighting?
I was coming home from work
Precise address of the observation site (street, city, etc.):
Trois epis , 68410,
Where were you exactly? (Please indicate if you were in a building and on what floor, if you were looking through a window, and how fast you were driving if you were in a vehicle.)
I got out of my car on the way to my apartment.
Date of observation:... 15... / ...... 07 /... 2015 ......... Precise start time (in local time): 22:37 ... .
Duration of the observation or end time (in hours, minutes, seconds): 30 seconds ......
Have other witnesses seen the same phenomenon as you? If so, how many? ...... no ........................ ..
If necessary, please ask them to contact us at the coordinates indicated on the last page of this document.
How do you relate to these people (parents, friends, colleagues, neighbors)?
The observation was made in a way: continuous /
(cross out or delete unnecessary mention)
If the observation was made discontinuously, specify why it was interrupted and resumed:
How did this observation end?
The object disappeared from my field of vision because of the building
IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW Nr 78-17 OF 6 JANUARY 1978 RELATING TO COMPUTING, FILES AND FREEDOMS, AND DECREE Nr 78.774 OF
JULY 17, 1978, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT OF CONTROL AND CORRECTION OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA.
REQUESTS MUST BE SENT IN WRITING TO GEIPAN - COORDINATES ON THE LAST PAGE
V3-8/JANUARY 2015
page: 4
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Did you see the phenomenon directly with your eyes? YES /
(cross out or delete unnecessary mention)
Was the phenomenon observed through an instrument (eyeglasses or sunglasses, binoculars, camera, camera, telescope, etc.)? If so, please specify the model:
No
Weather conditions (clear sky, clouds, wind, thunderstorm, haze, fog, rain, snow, change in conditions during observation):
A very clear night, no clouds, no wind
Astronomical conditions (remember the position of the Moon, the Sun, the presence or not of stars or planets, etc.):
Where it came from there was the little dipper.
Equipment on or active during the observation (headlights, radio, TV, lights ...):
White lights on the wall of the building.
Noises during the observation (TV or radio on, passing vehicles, airplane engine, thunder ...):
No engine or other noise.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW Nr 78-17 OF 6 JANUARY 1978 RELATING TO COMPUTING, FILES AND FREEDOMS, AND DECREE Nr 78.774 OF
JULY 17, 1978, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT OF CONTROL AND CORRECTION OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA.
REQUESTS MUST BE SENT IN WRITING TO GEIPAN - COORDINATES ON THE LAST PAGE
V3-8/JANUARY 2015
page: 5
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In your descriptions, do not hesitate to make comparisons with known objects.
Number of phenomena (single, multiple or single then divides ...):
unique
Shape:
triangular
Color:
Red light at the ends
Brightness (in comparison with known stars like Venus and the Moon, or the lighting of a street lamp, car lights, house lights, etc.):
Like car headlights in comparison
Presence of a trail or a halo? If so, what color?
no
Apparent size (express the dimensions of the phenomenon in relation to a familiar object and / or in millimeters counted on a graduated ruler carried at arm's length):
6cm graduated at arm's length
Noise coming from the phenomenon (hissing, buzzing, detonation, comparison with a known noise ...):
No noise
Distance between you and the PAN (the observed phenomenon), roughly estimated (specify if the object passed in front of or behind an element of the landscape):
From right to left, coming from the forest to disappear from behind a building
IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW Nr 78-17 OF 6 JANUARY 1978 RELATING TO COMPUTING, FILES AND FREEDOMS, AND DECREE Nr 78.774 OF
JULY 17, 1978, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT OF CONTROL AND CORRECTION OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA.
REQUESTS MUST BE SENT IN WRITING TO GEIPAN - COORDINATES ON THE LAST PAGE
V3-8/JANUARY 2015
page: 6
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Initial UAP position in the sky (start of observation):
Indicate a cardinal point (North, South...), or an azimuth in degrees with respect to North, or a local visual or geographical reference (building, village)
From the north
Indicate a height in degrees from the horizon, or from an element of the landscape (eg: twice as high as the church tower)
at the beginning I was looking at 45 degrees
Final position of the UAP in the sky (end of the observation):
Indicate a cardinal point (North, South...), or an azimuth in degrees with respect to North, or a local visual or geographical reference (building, village)
to the south
Indicate a height in degrees from the horizon, or from an element of the landscape (eg: twice as high as the church tower)
At the end of the observation I was looking at 60 degrees
Trajectory of the phenomenon (straight line, rising, falling, with or without change of direction, curve, etc.):
Straight line without change of direction
Portion of the sky covered by the UAP during the observation (ex: a quarter of the sky or 30 ° to 40 ° from the horizon, etc.):
A quarter of the sky
Effect (s) on the environment (ground trace (s), effect (s) on living beings or material):
nothing
IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW Nr 78-17 OF 6 JANUARY 1978 RELATING TO COMPUTING, FILES AND FREEDOMS, AND DECREE Nr 78.774 OF
JULY 17, 1978, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT OF CONTROL AND CORRECTION OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA.
REQUESTS MUST BE SENT IN WRITING TO GEIPAN - COORDINATES ON THE LAST PAGE
V3-8/JANUARY 2015
page: 7
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Use this page to draw your observation.
You are entirely free to draw up this sketch.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW Nr 78-17 OF 6 JANUARY 1978 RELATING TO COMPUTING, FILES AND FREEDOMS, AND DECREE Nr 78.774 OF
JULY 17, 1978, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT OF CONTROL AND CORRECTION OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA.
REQUESTS MUST BE SENT IN WRITING TO GEIPAN - COORDINATES ON THE LAST PAGE
V3-8/JANUARY 2015
page: 9
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Describe the emotions you felt during and after the observation:
I was very attracted to this flying object and very attentive to its movement. The more it advanced the more I was uncomfortable and I had the impression of being watched; I felt that it slowed down when it passed near me. After the observation I was skeptical about what I had seen.
What did you do after your sighting? Did you talk about it? How did your interlocutors react? Did you do any research to understand what you saw?
I told my partner who listened to me with certainty because he too has already seen similar cases.
I did some research but couldn't find anything.
What interpretation do you give to what you observed? Have you thought of a known phenomenon? What are the elements that justify your interpretation? If you don't know, have you given up on understanding? If so, when and why?
I don't know at all what it could be but I am intrigued to know that wat [sic] was this flying object
Before your observation, how interested were you in strange aerospace phenomena? Did you have a specific opinion on the subject? Which? What were you basing it on?
Before this observation I paid no attention to this matter, I didn't really believe it.
Did this observation change your view of unidentified aerospace phenomena? If so, explain what you think now:
Yes, because I think there would really be unidentified aerospace phenomena because I am not the only one to have seen very strange flying objects like the one I saw
IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW Nr 78-17 OF 6 JANUARY 1978 RELATING TO COMPUTING, FILES AND FREEDOMS, AND DECREE Nr 78.774 OF
JULY 17, 1978, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT OF CONTROL AND CORRECTION OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA.
REQUESTS MUST BE SENT IN WRITING TO GEIPAN - COORDINATES ON THE LAST PAGE
V3-8/JANUARY 2015
page: 10
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Do you think that science will provide an explanation for your observation?
yes
IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW Nr 78-17 OF 6 JANUARY 1978 RELATING TO COMPUTING, FILES AND FREEDOMS, AND DECREE Nr 78.774 OF
JULY 17, 1978, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT OF CONTROL AND CORRECTION OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA.
REQUESTS MUST BE SENT IN WRITING TO GEIPAN - COORDINATES ON THE LAST PAGE
V3-8/JANUARY 2015
page: 11
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If you have already testified about this UAP, please tell us to which authority, organization or person by deleting or striking out the unnecessary mentions in the list below, and by completing the requested information (several contacts possible):
- Gendarmerie (mention the brigade and the date): .......
- Police (mention the police station and the date): .....
- GEIPAN (mention the name of the contact and the date): ...
- Private investigator (mention the name of the contact and the date): ......
- Ufologist (mention the name of the contact and the date): .......
- Journalist (mention the name of the contact and the date): ...
- Internet (mention the site and the date): .......
Do you authorize us to publish this last information? YES
(it may possibly identify you if your identity appears on that website)
Please specify in the list below the documents you will have attached or completed.
(check or delete unnecessary mentions)
() Questionnaire
() Sketch of the observed phenomenon (number: .......)
() Photograph (s) of the environment (number: .......)
IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW Nr 78-17 OF 6 JANUARY 1978 RELATING TO COMPUTING, FILES AND FREEDOMS, AND DECREE Nr 78.774 OF
JULY 17, 1978, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT OF CONTROL AND CORRECTION OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA.
REQUESTS MUST BE SENT IN WRITING TO GEIPAN - COORDINATES ON THE LAST PAGE
V3-8/JANUARY 2015
page: 12
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Toulouse, 20/11/2015
DCT / DA / Geipan
CASE OF OBSERVATION
1 - CONTEXT
On July 23, 2015, the GEIPAN received by email from the witness the observation questionnaire "standard testimony" completed about the observation in the municipality of AMMERSCHWIHR (68), on July 15, 2015, of a UAP.
2 - DESCRIPTION OF THE CASE
Here is the short presentation of this case, narrated by this witness and taken from the free account of the sighting:
"I came home from work, once parked in the parking lot, I observe three very strong red lights coming out from behind the forest, which immediately caught my eye.
The shape was a triangle and appeared [to be that] of a very large and fairly low object.
It was heading in my direction, then at our building slowed down slightly then turned a 45 degree angle to disappear from my field of vision.
It was going relatively fast, and especially without making any noise. It lasted 10 to 15 seconds, at 10:37 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2015."
In the remainder of the questionnaire, the witness specifies the observation duration which was 1 minute and 40 seconds.
Headquarters: 2 place Maurice Quentin - 75039 Paris cedex 01 - Tel .: 33 (0) 1 44 76 75 00 - www.cnes.fr
Launchers direction: Rond Point de l'Espace - Courcouronnes - 91023 Evry cedex - Tel .: 33 (0) 1 60 87 71 11
Toulouse Space Center: 18 avenue Edouard Belin - 31401 Toulouse cedex 9 - Tel .: 33 (0) 5 61 27 31 31
Guyanese Space Center: BP 726 - 97387 Kourou cedex - Tel .: 594 (0) 5 94 33 51 11
RCS Paris B 775 665 912 Siret 775 665 912 000 82 code APE 731 Z VAT identification number FR 49 775 665 912
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3 - CONDUCT OF THE INVESTIGATION
3.1. GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
The witness gives the following information in the questionnaire:
- The lights came out from "behind the forest".
- "Where it came from ["the object"] there was the little dipper" (either in the north-north-west, see chapter "astronomical situation").
- The UAP was moving "from right to left, coming from the forest to disappear from [my] sight behind a building".
- The UAP was moving from north to south.
These details allow us to geographically locate the UAP in relation to the position of the witness:
3.2. WEATHER SITUATION
The closest station to the observation site is the one located in the town of Colmar, about 10 km in straight line east of the witness's position.
The data for this station for today between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. can be summarized as follows:
- The wind: very weak from the north and northeast.
- Anticyclonic conditions (pressure: 1017 hPa).
- No rain.
- Very good visibility (20 km).
No data for this station regarding cloud cover.
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The Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg airport [weather] station, about 60 km south-southeast of the witness's position, specifies that the sky was clear and the wind was blowing very weakly from the west at 5.6 km / h.
In summary, the meteorological data collected shows clear weather, with a very weak north to northeast wind, and very good visibility.
3.3. ASTRONOMICAL SITUATION
Sky view, at 22:27, as visible in the northern sector, from Colmar:
The constellation "Little Dipper" is visible to the north-northwest. (see chapter "geographical situation").
3.4. AERONAUTICAL SITUATION
Not applicable.
3.5. ANALYSIS
If it is a human crafted item, it can be a windblown passive item. Indeed, the wind direction agrees with that taken by the UAP (from north to south).
In addition, other testimonial elements of the observation could suggest a confusion with so-called "Chinese" sky lanterns:
- red color,
- number: lanterns are often thrown in groups of 3 or more,
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- moving lights "together" giving the witness the impression that it is a single "solid" object, typical of the behavior of flying objects pushed by the wind and the illusion of perception psychology of form,
- moderate speed in line with that of the wind,
- no noise,
- short observation time, (10 to 15 seconds) compatible with the lifespan of these lanterns,
However, some of the testimony seems to fall outside this hypothesis. It is the mention of a turn at an angle of 45 ° to disappear from the field of vision of the witness.
It is possible that this is an optical effect (change of perspective) caused by the approach of the lanterns to the position of the witness.
It is also possible that this change of direction is real and caused by the change of direction of the wind during the observation. Indeed, the wind changed azimuth between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. by 45 ° to move from northeast to north. The directions indicated by the weather recordings are not, however, exactly those noted by the witness (north-northwest).
We will also note the presence, to the north and north-west of the witness's position, at a distance of between approximately 40 and 150 m of installations suitable for releasing lanterns (large parking lots, vacant lots, etc.). These installations are obscured from the witness's view by other buildings and trees:
In conclusion, the explanation by an observation of sky lanterns seems the most appropriate.
|
WITNESS Nr 1
| # | QUESTION | ANSWER (AFTER INVESTIGATION) |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Municipality and witness observation department (ex: Paris (75)) | AMMERSCHWIHR (68) |
| A2 | (opt) if unknown municipality (during a trip): Municipality at the start of the trip; Municipality of End of trip | / |
| A3 | (opt) if during a trip: name of the Boat, Route or Flight / plane number | / |
| Conditions of observation of the phenomenon (for each witness) | ||
| B1 | Occupation of witness before observation | RETURNED FROM WORK, GOT OUT OF HIS CAR AND WALKED TO HIS APARTMENT |
| B2 | Precise address of the place of observation | 48.1; 7.23 |
| B3 | Description of the observation site | PARKING LOT |
| B4 | Observation date (DD / MM / YYYY) | 15/07/2015 |
| B5 | Observation start time (HH: MM: SS) | 22:37:00 |
| B6 | Observation duration (s) or End time (HH: MM: SS) | 30 SECONDS |
| B7 | Other witnesses? If so, how many? | NO |
| B8 | (opt) If so, how does this relate to other witnesses? | / |
| B9 | Continuous or discontinuous observation? | CONTINUE |
| B10 | If discontinuous, why did the observation stop? | / |
| B11 | What caused the observation to end? | THE UAP DISAPPEARED FROM THE WITNESS'S FIELD OF VISION |
| B12 | Phenomenon observed directly? | YES |
| B13 | UAP observed with an instrument? (which one?) | NO |
| B14 | Weather conditions | CLEAR SKIES, VERY LOW NORTH TO NORTHEAST SECTIONS, VERY GOOD VISIBILITY |
| B15 | Astronomical conditions | CONSTELLATION OF THE LITTLE DIPPER IN THE NORTH-NORTH-WEST |
| B16 | Equipment on or active | "WHITE LIGHTS ON THE WALL OF THE BUILDING" |
| B17 | Known external noise sources | NO |
| Description of the perceived phenomenon | ||
| C1 | Number of phenomena observed? | 3 |
| C2 | Shape | TRIANGULAR |
| C3 | Color | RED |
| C4 | Brightness | "LIKE CAR HEADLIGHTS" |
| C5 | Trail or halo? | NO |
|
| C6 | Apparent size (maximum) | 6 CM |
| C7 | Noise coming from the phenomenon? | NO |
| C8 | Estimated distance (if possible) | / |
| C9 | UAP appearance azimuth (°) | 360 ° |
| C10 | Height of appearance of UAP (°) | 45 ° |
| C11 | UAP disappearance azimuth (°) | / |
| C12 | UAP disappearance height (°) | 60 ° |
| C13 | Trajectory of the phenomenon | "STRAIGHT LINE WITHOUT CHANGE OF DIRECTION" |
| C14 | Portion of the sky covered by the PAN | "A QUARTER OF THE SKY" |
| C15 | Effect (s) on the environment | NO |
| For the following items, simply indicate whether the witness answered these questions | ||
| E1 | Reconstruction on plan and photo / sketch of the sighting? | NO |
| E2 | Emotions felt by the witness during and after the observation? | VERY ATTRACTED AND VERY ATTENTIVE. IMPRESSION OF BEING OBSERVED. WAS SCEPTIC AFTER OBSERVATION |
| E3 | What did the witness do after the sighting? | TALKED TO HER SPOUSE AND DID SEARCHING WITHOUT FINDING ANYTHING |
| E4 | What interpretation does he give to what he observed? | DON'T KNOW AT ALL |
| E5 | Interest in NAPs before observation? | NONE, DIDN'T BELIEVE SO MUCH |
| E6 | Origin of interest in NAPs? | / |
| E7 | Did the witness's opinion on UAPs change? | YES |
| E8 | Does the witness think that science will give an explanation to the NAPs? | YES |
The only hypothesis considered is that of a confusion with a group of so-called "Chinese" sky lanterns.
| HYPOTHESIS | ARGUMENT (S) FOR | ARGUMENT (S) AGAINST | IMPORTANCE * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thai lanterns | Red color Number Simultaneous displacement causing illusion of psychology of |
Change of direction at an angle of 45 °? | Strong |
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shape Travel in the direction of the prevailing wind Behavior identical to that of objects subjected to no or weak wind: moderate speed No noise Short observation time Presence near facilities suitable for launching lanterns, located in the direction of observation and not visible from the position of the witness |
* Reliability of the hypothesis estimated by the investigator: sure (100%); strong (>80%); medium (40% to 60%); weak (20% to 40%); very weak (<20%); null (0%)
5- CONCLUSION
Taking into account the objective elements defined in the previous chapters, namely:
GEIPAN classifies this case in "B" as a probable sighting of Chinese lanterns.
5.1. CLASSIFICATION
This testimony is of average consistency: precise but without photographs, coming from a single witness.
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The observation is not very strange because the UAP is easily characterized, both in its appearance and in its behavior.
CONSISTANCE(1) (IxF) STRANGENESS(2) (E)
[INVESTIGATION CLOSING DATE]
[NAME OF THE GEIPAN INVESTIGATOR]
0.7
0.5
(1) Consistency (C): between 0 and 1. Amount of reliable information (I) (F) collected on a testimony (C = IxF).
(2) Strangeness (E): between 0 and 1. Distance in terms of information from all known phenomena.
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GEIPAN indicated the most likely explanation.
The location is not entirely clear to me: "Les Trois-Epis" is a touristically well-known hamlet in the mountains, Ammerschwihr is a town which is 4 km east-north-east of there. I guess the right place is the hamlet of Les Trois-Epis, which is administratively shared between the municipalities of Ammerschwihr, Turckheim and Niedermorschwihr.
There are several buildings and car parks in front of buildings at Les Trois-Epis.
The change of direction is fairly classic when Chinese lanterns "float" aloft near buildings; air currents around buildings have this kind of effect.
Probable Chinese lanterns.
* = Source is available to me.
? = Source I am told about but could not get so far. Help needed.
| Main author: | Patrick Gross |
|---|---|
| Contributors: | None |
| Reviewers: | None |
| Editor: | Patrick Gross |
| Version: | Create/changed by: | Date: | Description: |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.1 | Patrick Gross | July 13, 2021 | Creation, [gei1]. |
| 1.0 | Patrick Gross | July 13, 2021 | First published. |
